Spring Redd Up dates set for April 2012

The Pittsburgh area Spring Redd Up dates will be Apr. 20, 21 and 22, coinciding with the Great PA Cleanup. Earth Day in 2012 is Sunday, Apr. 22.

Boris Weinstein of Citizens Against Litter, coordinator of the event, said goals are ambitious: 250 communities, 250 tons of litter removed from streets, roads, lots and illegal dumps and 15,000 to 20,000 volunteers.

"The contact phase has already started", said Mr. Weinstein. "We're looking for participation from most of the city's 90 neighborhoods and more than 150 communities in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

Groups and individuals interested in participating as volunteers are asked to contact Citizens Against Litter who will put them in touch with neighborhood Clean Pittsburgh Stewards. Contact boris.weinstein@verizon.net or call 412-688-9120.

Pittsburgh public, private and parochial schools kick off the weekend on Friday, Apr. 20 with the Stash the Trash event. To register a school, contact Sarah Alessio Shea at PA Resources Council, the coordinating organization, at saraha@ccicenter.org or call 412-488-7490.

Saturday, Apr. 21 will be the day most communities hit the streets, cleaning up litter, sprucing up and planting community gardens. Communities outside Pittsburgh are encouraged to have their fall cleanups on this same weekend. Register participation through boris.weinstein@ verizon.net.

"The area makes a larger statement about the scope and importance of removing litter and trash and documenting the good works of many concerned citizens when we schedule our cleanups on the same day and report these activities," said Mr. Weinstein.

Allegheny CleanWays, the organization that assists neighborhoods with eliminating illegal dumpsites, will also be a participating in the Redd Up. Contact Myrna Newman for information at myrnan@alleghenyclean ways.org or 412-381-1301. Allegheny CleanWays welcomes volunteers.

Citizens Against Litter. PA Resources Council, Allegheny CleanWays and Renew Pittsburgh are members of the Clean Pittsburgh Commission. Groups and communities lean heavily on Pittsburgh Public Works and other public works departments to haul away collected litter. Pittsburgh Public Works, PennDOT and Allegheny Cleanways provide bags and gloves and in some cases safety vests for volunteers.